In comparing mics there’s not always a clear better or worse. For example, when I’m making a hip hop beat and I want to add a piano sound there are many to choose from (a dark piano, bright, distorted), each going better with different beats. The same goes with microphones. Different mics go better with different artists over different instrumentals. However, in modern hip hop music the sound of vocals has become very consistent. Where as the instrumental’s piano, snare, or kick often sound different from song to song, the vocal quality across the board is usually about the same. This makes it possible for top producers to get away with having only one microphone in their mic cabinet. This vocal standard, also makes it easier to compare mics, and it will be this same standard that I judge these following microphones against. The general rule is you get what you pay for, but in each price range there are some mics that out shine the others. So without further adieu here is a list of microphones that are well worth their price. From top dollar down…

Sony C800G – $5,500
Capsule type: Condenser
Frequency response: 20Hz – 18kHz
Directivity: Uni/Omni
Microphone Connector: CNR-01 type (7 pin)
Stand screw/Mic Holder screw: PF 1/2 inch thread
Remarks: Vacuum Tube
Output impedance at 1kHz (balanced) (1/2 +- 20%): 100W
Induction noise from ext. magnetic field: 0
Max. input sound pressure level : 131dB (Uni), 134dB (Omni)
Inherent noise: 18 (Uni), 21 (Omni) (dB SPL)
Wind noise (0dB=20 Pa.): less than or equal to 50(dB SPL)
Supplied Stand Adapter: NS 5/8 inch thread, W 3/8 inch thread
Effective output level at 1kHz: -28.0 (Uni), -31.0 (Omni) (dBm)
Sensitivity: -32.0 dB +- 2.0 (Uni), -35.0 dB +- 2.0 (Omni)
Dynamic range: 113dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 76dB (Uni), 73dB (Omni)

Neumann U87 Ai – $2,650
Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
Directional pattern: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8 plus
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 20/28/22 mV/Pa
Rated impedance: 200 ohms
Rated load impedance: 1000 ohms
Equivalent SPL CCIR 468-3: 26/23/25 dB
Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC 651: 15/12/14 dB-A
S/N ratio CCIR 468-3: 68/71/69 dB
S/N ratio DIN/IEC 651: 79/82/80 dB
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 117 dB (cardioid)
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation: 127 dB
Maximum output voltage: 390 mV
Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier cardioid DIN/IEC 651: 105 dB
Supply voltage: 48 V +- 4 V
Current consumption: 0.8 mA
Matching connectors: XLR3F
Weight: 500 g
Diameter: 56 mm
Length: 200 mm

Rode K2 – $700
Acoustic Principle: Externally polarized 25 mm (1″) condenser
Active Electronics: Thermionic impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
Pickup Pattern: Multi-pattern
Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
Output Impedance: 200 ohms
Sensitivity: -36 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (16 mV @ 94dB SPL) +/- 2 dB
Equivalent Noise: 10 dBA SPL (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Maximum Output: > + 30 dBu (@ 1% THD into 1kOhms)
Dynamic Range: 150dB (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Maximum SPL: 162 dB (@ 1% THD into 1kOhms)
Signal/Noise: > 81 dB (1kHz rel 1 Pa; per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Power Requirements: Dedicated Power Supply (110 ~ 120V/220 ~ 240V, 50/60Hz)

Audio-Technica AT4040 – $280
Element: Externally-polarized (DC bias) condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
Low Frequency Roll-Off: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Open Cicuit Sensitivity: -32 dB (25.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Impedance: 100 ohms
Maximum Input Sound Level: 145 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.; 155 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal)
Noise: 12 dB SPL
Dynamic Range (typical): 133 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 82 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 4.2 mA typical
Switches: Flat, roll-off; 10 dB pad (nominal)
Weight (less accessories): 12.7 oz (360 g)
Dimensions: 6.69″ (170.0 mm) long, 2.10″ (53.4 mm) maximum body diameter
Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

MXL 990 – $60
Type: Condenser pressure gradient mic with large 20mm gold diaphragm capsule
Frequency Range: 30Hz – 20kHz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: 15mV/Pa
Impedance: 200W
S/N Ratio: 80dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Equivalent Noise Level: 20dB(A weighted IEC 268-4)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD: 130dB
Max SPL with -10dB cut: 130dB
Power Requirements: 48V Phantom Power (+- 4V)
Current Consumption: <3.0ma
Size: 60mm x 130mm
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Metal Finish: Champagne

A graph of microphones and their different sound qualities…